Read Online Laurel: Bride of Arkansas (American Mail-Order Bride 25) by Carra Copelin - Free Book Online

when she settled into a normal routine.
    Finally, looking more presentable, she re-joined him in the dining room. He’d set out the food, but only two bowls and spoons, and two glasses of water. “What about Clem and Otto? Won’t they be hungry?”
    “Probably, but I’ve sent them into town for a few days.”
    “Oh? How come?”
    “They can be a handful, and I thought, after the morning you’ve had, they might be too much for you to deal with.”
    “They aren’t that much trouble, but I appreciate the consideration.” She opened the drawers of the buffet and found assorted napkins and tablecloths. Sitting in her chair, she handed him a plaid-patterned napkin. “Would you like to say grace or shall I?”
    “I might be a bit rusty, but I can manage a few words.” He bowed his head and said, “We thank you, Lord, for this food we’re about to eat. Please bless it and sanctify it to the nourishment of our bodies. Amen.”
    “I didn’t notice much rust there, but I guess it does bring up a question.” She took a bite of the stew, closed her eyes in approval, and asked, “What religion are you?”
    “My ma raised me in the Church of Christ, but I haven’t been to church in a while. I get there as often as I can.” He sliced the loaf of bread and set it on her plate. “You?”
    “Methodist, with a poor attendance record, as well.”
    “Is the denomination important to you?”
    “No, as long as you believe.”
    “Good.” He used the handle of his spoon to make an imaginary check mark mid-air. “Me next.”
    “Excuse me?”
    “Since we haven’t had the time to get to know each other in the traditional way, I knew we’d get around to this eventually.” He put more stew into his bowl and, with elbows on the table, said, “I believe it’s my turn.”
    “All right, what do you want to know?”
    “I got the feeling you were holding back when I asked you where you were from originally.” He finished his stew and pushed the bowl to the center of the table. Pinning her with a direct look, he said, “No diversion tactics this time.”
    Laurel returned his stare with one of her own. She realized she didn’t have to hide her past from him, they were married now. She could live her life without having to worry her father would come and take her back.
    “Laurel?”
    “You’re right.” She took a sip of water from her glass. “As I said at the café, I was born and raised in Philadelphia to Adelaide and Peter Weidner and I have younger, twin sisters, Emmeline and Adeline.”
    “Three daughters. Your father must be very proud.”
    She noted his smile and knew he must be thinking of his own daughters. “Well, one would assume so, but Peter Weidner isn’t you. He wanted, at least, one son. You know, a male with a head for business to carry on the family legacy and fortune.”
    He raised his eyebrows and shook his head in apparent confusion. “Wait a minute, I understand wanting a son, every man wants a son, but to be disappointed when you’re given daughters instead? Ridiculous.”
    “Don’t get me wrong,” she said quickly. “My father loves us, he simply feels, and I quote, ‘Women and business don’t mix.’ ”
    “Now, I understand some businesses need a man at the helm.” He leaned back in his chair taking on a matter-of-fact posture and attitude. “Take logging for instance, now that’s a man’s job.”
    “So you agree with my father that women don’t belong in business?”
    “No, I’m only saying some businesses require brute strength and women can’t do that. Do you disagree?”
    “All right, I’ll give you that one, but you’re not saying a woman couldn’t run the office, are you?”
    “No, of course not.”
    “Well good.” She raised her finger, made a checkmark in mid-air, and then smiled at him. She stood and reached across the table to pick up his empty bowl along with hers and took them into the kitchen.
    He followed her carrying the box of food and set it on the